American Psycho is an American thriller based on Bret Easton Ellis’ novel and directed by Mary Harron. It portrays the story of Patrick Bateman, a wealthy and successful investment banker from Wall Street, New York City. Patrick and his colleagues are obsessed with success, status and style. Despite the public’s alterations to this successful film, I admire this cult movie. Yes, Christian Bale’s character is now synonymous with “sigma male” for my generation, but somehow, American Psycho is exceptional. Terrifying, yes, but extraordinary. I have not yet had the opportunity to read the novel (which is closed in bookstores, forbidding clients to read the pages unless they buy it). Still, I am sure Patrick Bateman’s character would terrify me.

Patrick Bateman, the main character in the story, is presented as a sophisticated, well-educated, and attractive young man who works in the high-stakes world of Wall Street during the 1980s. He exudes an air of confidence and success, evident in his impeccably tailored wardrobe, fine dining knowledge, and ability to navigate complex financial transactions easily. He is obsessed with physical perfection, upscale restaurants, 80s pop music, sex, money and power. Moreover, the movie begins by exhibiting the glamorous and splendid life of Patrick Bateman: daily facial routine, fitness routine, expensive food, and impeccable penthouse. Despite his charming exterior, there is a dark and troubled side to Patrick, which gradually emerges throughout the narrative. Under this façade of perfection, Bateman takes pleasure in killing people.

Bateman’s psychotic desire to kill takes over exponentially. Whether they are co-workers, cheap prostitutes, dogs or itinerants, he engages throughout the picture in ruthless acts of violence for his amusement. All of his victims are murdered in a twisted manner, highlighting Patrick’s perverted violence. But it eventually becomes too much for him; he then begins to lose himself in his madness, becoming increasingly paranoid and schizophrenic. Even with all of those psychotic events, Bateman’s biggest strength is his coldness, filled with emotional detachment.

The end of the film is to be interpreted. The last scene is played between Patrick and his lawyer, Harold Carnes. On the verge of losing himself, Bateman confesses to Carnes all the despicable acts he performed previously. However, the latter does not seem to take this information seriously. Some say that Bateman imagined everything in his mind, while others are convinced that he indeed killed all those innocent victims; he only managed to get away with the crimes because society is so corrupted by power and wealth that it can no longer recognize the
truth.

The Perfect Killer

Patrick Bateman’s casual cruelty and violent sadism are crucial elements of his characterization, therefore reflecting his iconic status in pop culture. The carnage he caused is a direct example of American Psycho’s dominant metaphor: violence, the perfect substitute for corporate greed.

The murder frenzy in American Psycho begins with Bateman’s behaviour; he is constantly selective and deliberate, but it will eventually intensify. This directly parallels Bateman’s ruthless corporate conduct in his Wall Street world.

Patrick Bateman and the crisis of the “Sigma Male”

Over the last year, TikTok has seen a proliferation of trends based on mentalities or personality types that are supposed to offer a way to solve the dilemmas of modern capitalism. Followers of this emerging movement reject contemporary feminism and claim empowerment stems from adherence to rigid gender roles. Therefore, the “Sigma Male” was born, and nothing could stop it. Contrary to popular belief, I believe the author initially mocked individuals like Patrick Bateman. You cannot convince me that Patrick’s lifestyle came out of the blue; those lives were authentic and still are.

Christian Bale’s symbolic performance has ensured American Psycho, a cult lasting for over two decades. It is by far one of his best performances yet. Patrick Bateman indulges his most violent impulses, acting perfectly on each of his sadistic urges while performing his flawless lifestyle on Wall Street. Plus, what would be a good murderer if he did not share his love for 80s music and slaughtering someone with the axe? Incidentally, the film was just as controversial as Ellis’ novel – even the author considered Bateman’s emotional fall into depravity and madness too shocking for cinema. That is when you know you have a cinematography gem with us.